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Succulents grow thick leaves, stems and roots, which store water to enable survival in dry habitats. There is a variety for nearly every U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone. Cold temperatures are actually less damaging to succulents than overly wet weather. The germination success of succulent seeds depends on the seed quality, growing medium, moisture, temperature and light.

1

Mix together 4 parts sand, 3 parts milled sphagnum moss, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part potting soil and 1 part pumice. Punch drainage holes in the bottom of a seed tray with an icepick. Fill the tray up to the rim with the soil mixture.

2

Fill a container that the seed tray fits inside with clean rainwater. When germinating succulent seeds, do not use water treated with chemicals, since it can slow down germination. Place the seed tray inside the water-filled container until the surface of the soil is damp.

3

Sow the seeds evenly over the surface of the soil. Gently press each seed lightly into the soil with the back of a dry spoon. Succulent seeds will stick to a wet spoon. Make sure that the seeds make good contact with the soil.

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4

Sprinkle a thin layer of fine gravel over the surface of the soil, barely covering the seeds. This keeps the succulent seeds from moving around when watered. Leave large seeds uncovered when planting.

5

Cover the seed tray with clear plastic wrap and set the tray in a warm location. Heat is preferred and will speed up germination, although succulent seeds will still germinate if placed in an unheated area.

6

Keep the seed tray in an area with bright light because succulent seeds need light to germinate. Light controls the direction of growth, since the stems grow towards the light and the roots grow away.

7

Remove the plastic cover each day after the seeds have sprouted to allow for the exchange of air. Do not let the soil dry out while dealing with the young plants. Do not hurry to transplant the young succulents. The seedlings can live in the seed tray for about a year.

Things Needed

Sand

Sphagnum moss

Vermiculite

Potting soil

Pumice

Seed tray

Icepick

Rainwater

Container

Spoon

Gravel

Plastic wrap

References

Photo Credits

John Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty Images

About the Author

Karen Carter spent three years as a technology specialist in the public school system and her writing has appeared in the "Willapa Harbor Herald" and the "Rogue College Byline." She has an Associate of Arts from Rogue Community College with a certificate in computer information systems.